SD zoo vs. Wild animal park - Sheraton La Jolle
 

Given the choice between the SD Zoo and Wild Animal Park which would I with family be better of visiting ?

Is ther anyone who has an opinion about the Sheraton La Jolla ?

Depends on the ages of the kids. At the zoo you see all the animals up close. I think that is much more attractive for younger kids.

You can do a lot of walking at either park, but there is more to see/do at the zoo.

At the wild animal park you see them much more at a distance in a wild, expansive habitat. Yes, you can see them nearby at the park too, but not like at the zoo.

The kids ages are 17 and 14.

At that age the Wild Animal park is fine. I still like the zoo better myself, but that's a personal preference.

no question san diego zoo. If you have time visit balboa park they have many interesting exhibits and beautiful gardens

what time of year? it can be very hot at the wild animal park this time of year, but otherwise both are great for families. The wild animal park is about a 35 minute drive from La Jolla(without traffic) and the zoo about 15 minutes, so it depends on how much time you have too. We're members and tend to go to the zoo more as it's closer but went to the Wild Animal Park a few weeks ago and loved it.

sorry, can't help you on the la jolla sheraton.

I would take Wild Animal Park, provided you can afford to do a private tour that takes you out to feed the giraffe and rhino's. Otherwise, I would pick the zoo.

is it free? Do you have a choice on where you are staying?

I would not stay there - it is right on the freeway - and not in "la Jolla" really..it is on La Jolla Village Drive I believe or right there and a very old property.

Both are great parks to visit. Although since you are going to La Jolla try the Zoo as the Wild Animal Park is a far drive and by the time you get there you'd end up having a lot of ground to cover. With kids I'd imagine that would be exhausting! LOL. The zoo has a lot of kid friendly stuff and easy paths and buses and stuff that is easy to access from the front. They'd love to see the monkeys and apes, btw. :D

Both are great -- I was there 2 weeks ago.

If I had to choose one, the zoo.

The sheraton La Jolla is nice. http://www.san-diego-hotels-resorts....olla-hotel.php

It has a decent location, close to the freeway. It is also a short drive to La Jolla Village. There is no view or anything and it is not walking distance really to anything but a shopping center, but it is a nice hotel and it is very nicely landscaped. It is really close to UCSD if you were looking at colleges.

Also, I'd vote for seeing the zoo. I really like the zoo though and I think the neighborhood surrounding it is neat.

I would not call the Sheraton La Jolla nice by any means. It is old, rundown (unless it has undergone a remodel in the last year that I am unaware of) and not a great location. The whole place has a rather tired vibe to me.

If you were looking to visit UCSD as the above poster mentions then the Residence Inn is actually much nicer. The Marriott or Embassy Suites down by UTC are also nicer if you want the area but are OK with driving.

What about the classic Valencia? Still okay?

Just stayed at the Hyatt Regency Mssion Bay Spa & Marina. It just went through a renovation, has a great pool area and excellent views. It's also very close to Sea World if you have any desire to see it. If you have a car the location is great as it's less than 10 mile drive to La Jolla, and close to the main highway to go straight downtown. If you don't have a car there's a bus stop right out front that will take you to La Jolla or to the trolley that goes straight downtown, and from there s short walk to Balboa Park.

Ahhh, San Diego, my hometown, what a great place to see so much. Of course of Zoo is marvelous along with Balboa Park, which is right next door. However, there is much to see in San Diego, just to start: Point Loma Cabrillo Mounment, Old Town San Diego, Sea World, Seaport Villege, Coronado, La Jolla Cove, Belmont Park at the beach, and of course the Old Town trolley that will take you everywhere and let you get off and on anytime for one fee. The Zoo costs about $47.00 each, the 14-year-old may get in for a tad less. Wild Animal Park is about the same cost. If I were you I would check sandiego.com to get reasonable hotels. There are so many here at reasonable costs. La Jolla is an expensive place to stay. There is Mission Valley with two huge shopping malls and the Hotel Circle. Check it out if you get my message.